Adjustable throw eccentric



' p 4, 1962 J. s. GASSAWAY 3,030,822

ADJUSTABLE THROW ECCENTRIC Filed Sept. 50, 1958 2 SheetsSheet 1 IN VEN TOR. clam-s ,5. Gnssnwy April 24, 1962 J. 5. GASSAWAY ADJUSTABLE THROW ECCENTRIC 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 30, 1958 INVENTOR. 114M155 5. GASSAWAV BY United States Patent 3,030,822 ADJUSTABLE THRQW ECCENTRIC James S. Gassaway, 2356 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, Calif. Filed Sept. 30, 1958, Ser. No. 764,390 21 Claims. ((31. 74-571) The present invention relates to eccentrics, and more particularly to eccentrics having variable or adjustable throws.

An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable eccentric device, in which the degree of eccentricity can be readily adjusted while the device is rotating.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable eccentric device, in which the throw or eccentricity of the device can be preselected and its automatic adjustment to the preselected setting achieved while the device is rotating.

A further object of the invention is to provide an eccentric device capable of being adjusted to different degrees of eccentricity, in which the eccentric will automatically return to a preselected adjustment after having been shifted from such adjustment.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an eccentric which will automatically adjust itself to various throws in response to the torque imposed thereon.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an eccentric which will automatically decrease the extent of its throw when subjected to an overload.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an eccentric capable of being adjusted to various selected throws while in operation, in which the throw of the eccentric is decreased automatically from a preselected value when an overload is imposed thereon, and in which the throw of the eccentric automatically ,returns to the preselected value when the overload is relieved.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of: the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken alone the line 3-3 on FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view, with a portion thereof broken away, of the adjustable eccentric device and a connecting rod mounted thereon;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line 5-5 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken along the line 6--6 on FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line '77 011 FIG. 1, with the parts in one relative position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, disclosing the parts in another position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 4, on a reduced scale, disclosing the eccentric in another position of adjustment.

An eccentric device A capable of being adjusted while in operation is illustrated. It is rotated by a motor and gear reducer 10 mounted upon a suitable base or support 11, being secured to the latter, as by means of screws 12. The motion of the eccentric may be transferred to a 3,03%,822 Patented Apr. 24, 1962 connecting rod 13, the large end 14 of which encompasses the eccentric.

As shown, a drive shaft 15 extends outwardly from the motor and gear reducer 10 and has an inner eccentric 16 mounted thereon. Specifically, such inner eccentric may be made in two like halves 17, 18 mounted on the drive shaft and fixed to rotate therewith. As illustrated, one side 19 of the shaft is fiat and is engaged by a companion fiat portion 20 of the aligned bores 21 in the eccentric halves 17, 18, thereby coupling the shaft and inner eccentric 16 for joint rotation. Axial movement of the inner eccentric members along the shaft is prevented by threading set screws 22, 23 in threaded radial bores 24, 25 in the eccentrics, bearing against the flat portion 19 of the shaft 15.

An outer eccentric 26 is mounted upon the inner eccentric 16. The outer eccentric is retained on the inner eccentric by means of end flanges 27 on the eccentric members 17, 18 mounted in counterbores 28 in the outer eccentric and engaging the inner transverse ends 29 of such counterbores. Thus, the inner eccentric flanges 27 engage opposite end portions of the outer eccentric 26 to prevent axial movement of the outer eccentric relative to the inner eccentric, while permitting relative arcuate movement therebetween.

One of the inner eccentric members 17 is first mounted on the shaft 15 and engaged with the shaft shoulder 30. Its set screw 22 is moimted in place to secure the eccentric member 17 to the shaft. The outer eccentric 26 is then slipped over the outer end of the shaft 15 and over the inner eccentric member 17, whereupon the other inner eccentric member 18 is slipped over the shaft and within the outer eccentric into abutting relation to the other inner eccentric member 17. The set screw 23 is then inserted through a radial hole 31 in the outer eccentric and into the threaded radial hole or bore 25 in the inner eccentric member 1%, this set screw being tightened against the flat side 19 of the shaft. Thus, the set screws 22, 23 prevent endwise movement of the inner eccentric members 17, 18, whereas the inner eccentric flanges 27 prevent endwise movement of the outer eccentric. The large end 14 of the connecting rod 13 is slipped over the outer eccentric 26, with its bushing 32 bearing upon its periphery.

The inner and outer eccentrics 16, 26 are releasably coupled to one another for rotation together. They may, however, shift 'arcuately with respect to one another to change the overall eccentricity or throw of the eccentric device A. The coupling disclosed is of the overload release type, such that an increase in the torque transmitted through the eccentrics 16, 26 will result in an auto matic decrease of the over-all eccentricity or throw of the eccentric A. As specifically illustrated, the outer eccentric 26 has a plurality of circumterentially or arcuately spaced longitudinally extending recesses 33 therein which have curved sides or cam surfaces 34. The inner eccentric 16 has a pair of diametrically opposite longitudinally extending grooves 35 therein, in which coupling rods 36, 37 are disposed, these coupling rods having a portion thereof adapted to be disposed in a selected cam recess 33. The longitudinally extending coupling rods 36, 37 are urged laterally outwardly by helical compression springs 38 mounted in radial bores 39 in the inner eccentric 16, the ends of the compression springs bearing against the coupling rods.

As shown, only a single coupling rod 36 or 37 is adapted to be disposed in a selected coupling recess 33 in the outer eccentric 26 at any one time. The use of the pair or plurality of coupling rods enables a larger number of degrees of eccentricity to be secured for the same number of cam recesses than are obtainable with far-7 only a single coupling rod. Each coupling rod can be disposed in a recess to a maximum extent that will retain the axis of the rod inwardly of the recess 33, such that the cam surface 34 exerts an inward component of force on the rod, tending to cam it inwardly and out of the recess. Such camming of the coupling rod 36 or 37 releases the inner eccentric 16 from the outer eccentric 26 and permits the inner eccentric to turn within the outer eccentric for the purpose of effecting a change in the overall throw or eccentricity of the eccentric device A.

By way of example, and as illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the eccentric A is adjusted for its maximum throw, with the coupling rod 36 received in the uppermost cam recess 33. Assuming that an overload is imposed upon the apparatus while it is rotating clockwise, the inner eccentric 16 will turn within the outer eccentric and, as a result of the torque being transmitted through the coupling rod 36, effect an inward camming of the latter by the inclined recess face '34, the inner eccentric turning within the outer eccentric 26 to the position in which the coupling rod is shifted by the springs 38 into the next coupling recess in the outer eccentric, producing a decrease in the throw of the eccentric, and consequently reducing the torque on the apparatus. If, however, such torque is still too great, then the side 34 of the second recess 33 will engage the coupling rod 36 and urge it inwardly against the force of the springs 38, the shaft rotating the inner eccentric 16 arcuately within the outer eccentric until the coupling rod is forced by the springs into the next or third recess 33, which is the position illustrated in FIG. 9. Here again, the eccentricity has been reduced to a still further extent. If the torque transmitted is still too great, then the coupling rod 36 is camrned by the inclined side 34 of the third recess out of such recess against the force of the spring 38, the inner eccentric 16 turning to still a further extent until the rod 36 is disposed in the next recess 33, which decreases the eccentricity still further.

During the time that the inner eccentric 16 is turning with respect to the outer eccentric 26 from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position in which the coupling rod 36 is disposed in the fourth recess, the other coupling rod 37 is merely sliding or rolling along the cylindrical surface of the inner eccentric bore and toward the first recess. Assuming that the springs 38 still exert insufi icient force to hold the coupling rod 36 within the fourth recess because of the torque being transmitted, the rod 36 will be cammed out of this recess against the force of the springs, the inner eccentric 16 turning to a further extent to bring the opposite coupling rod 37 into the first recess (upper recess in FIG. 4). With the particular design illustrated, the axis of the shaft 15 and the axis of the outer eccentric 26 will then coincide, so that the throw of the eccentric is reduced to zero, the entire eccentric device A merely rotating without imparting. any reciprocation to the connecting rod 13 encircling the eccentric. A continuation of the relative motion of the inner eccentric 16 within the outer eccentric 26,, as the coupling rod 37 is shifted from one recess to another, will effect an increase in the degree of eccentricity from the zero condition just described, and when the first-mentioned coupling rod 36 again is disposed in the first recess 33, a maximum degree of eccentricity will have been achieved.

The throw or eccentricity of the apparatus can be changed while the eccentric apparatus A is rotating to impart the reciprocating motion to the encompassing connecting rod 13. The particular throw is preselected, and the apparatus will automatically shift to the preselected condition and will then remain in such condition unless subject to an overload, which will automatically permit the coupling rods 36, 37 to release from the recesses 33 so that the shaft 15 and inner eccentric 16 can continue rotating within the outer eccentric 26. The preselecting and shifting mechanism included a stroke changing dog or pin 40 fixed in a socket 41 in the outer eccentric 26 and projecting longitudinally beyond an end face thereof. This pin may strike a stationary selector or stop member 42, which may be in the form of an adjustable plate having an opening 43 therein through which the rotating dog 40 may pass when the throw of the eccentric is adjusted to the preselected amount. Otherwise, the dog or pin 44 will engage the plate or stop 42 and thereby prevent rotation of the outer eccentric member 26, the coupling rod 36 or 37 being shifted out of the recess 33 against the force of the springs 38, and enabling the inner eccentric 16 to turn within the outer eccentric 26 to change the throw of the eccentric A. During such change in throw of the eccentric, the pin or dog 40 is shifted along the stop member or plate 42 until it arrives at a position of alignment with the opening 43 in the latter. Such position of alignment is predetermined to occur when one of the coupling rods 36 or '37 is disposed in the desired recess 33, so that the rotating unit is adjusted to the preselected throw or eccentricity, the pin 41 passing freely through the opening 43 in the adjuster plate 42.

The selector or adjuster plate 42 is disposed upon a spacer block 44 resting on posts 45 projecting upwardly from the base 11 of the apparatus, and secured to the posts by means of spaced screws 46, 47. The plate 42 is pivoted for movement about the outer screw 46, the outer portion of the plate being movable about a spacer 48 therein disposed around the screw 46. The adjuster plate 42 is shifted about the axis of the screw 46 by a shifter or selector member 49 movable about the axis of the other screw 47. The inner port-ion 49a of this selector member is rotatable in a spacer bushing 50, the lower end of which engages the upper end of the spacer block 44, the bushing passing through an arcuate opening 51 in the selector plate 42 and also through a circular opening in a fixed locator member or plate 52 through which both of the screws 46, 47 pass, this locator member or plate 52 being adjustable. Tightening of the screws 46, 47 will clamp the plate and bushing 48 to the spacer block 44, and the bushing to the spacer block 44. The inner end of the selector member 49 is provided with an end slot 53 receiving a pin 54 secured to the inner end portion of the selector plate 42. The outer portion of the selector member is constituted as a shifter head 55 secured to the inner portion 49a by means of screws 56. This inner portion 49a is formed as a leaf spring tending to urge the head 55 upwardly so as to place a lug or detent 57 on the head upwardly within one of the selector notches 58 formed in the outer margin of the locator member 52. The head 55 may be depressed against the force of the spring member 49a to remove the detent 57 from a selected notch 58, whereupon the selector member 49 is turned about the axis of the inner screw 47, this turning motion being transmitted through the pin and slot connection 53, 54 to the selector plate 42. Because of the pivoting of the stop member or plate 42 about the axis of the outer screw 46, the pivoting of the shiftable selector member 49 about the axis of the inner screw 47', and the pin and slot interconnection 53, 54 between the selector member and the stop member or plate, a relatively large extent of arcuate movement of the selector member 49 will result in a greatly reduced arcuate movement of the stop member or plate 42. Thus, the notches 58 in the outer portion of the fixed stop or locator member 52 can be relatively widely separated to receive the lug 57 on the. selector member head, the arcuate movement of the adjustable stop member 42 being relatively small to dispose its opening 43 at corresponding selected positions screw 46 passes. Loosening of this screw permits arcuate adjustment of the member 52 about the axis of the screw 47 and bushing 50 to the required angular extent, after which the screw 46 is retightened.

As disclosed in FIG. 1, the selector mechanism has been located for a maximum eccentricity of the apparatus, the lug 57 being received in the notch 58 to the extreme right. As the eccentric A rotates, which may be in a clockwise direction as seen in the drawings, and if the eccentricity is less than the maximum value, the pin or dog 4% will strike the underside of the plate 42, thereby stopping motion of the outer eccentric 26. The inner eccentric 16 will continue rotating, the coupling rod 3 6 being cammed out of its particular recess 33, and the inner eccentric turning within the outer eccentric, which will effect a sliding of the pin 40 along the plate until the proper coupling rod 36 or 37 is disposed in the proper recess 33, resulting in the dog 40 being disposed in alignment with the opening 43 in the plate. With the dog in such opening 42, and centered with respect thereto, the inner and outer eccentrics 16, 26 will rotate as a unit, the dog or pin 4th passing freely through the opening at each revolution.

While the apparatus is rotating, the eccentricity can be changed. The selector head 55 need merely be depressed, to move the detent 57 from the notch 5% in which it has been disposed. Full depression will bring an upper feeler or protuberance 60 down upon the upper portion of the locator member 52. The selector member 49 and its head 55 are then shifted toward the desired position of eccentricity, the protuberance 6t) merely riding over the marginal notches 58 and providing a feel to the operator when each notch has been reached. Since the protuberance 60 is in alignment with the detent 57 therebelow, when the operator feels that the protuberance is in the proper notch, the head 55 is released, the inner spring selector portion 49a elevating the head 55 and moving the "detent 57 into the selected notch 58. Such action, of course, has also eifected a shifting of the adjustable stop member or plate 42 about the axis of the outer screw 46 through the pin and slot interconnection 5'3, 54- to dispose the opening 43 in the plate in a position corresponding to the selected notch 58. As the eccentric A continues to rotate, the stroke changing dog 40 will engage the underside of the plate 42 (still assuming clockwise rotation), to prevent the outer eccentric 26 from moving, the coupling rod 36 or 37 within one of the recesses 33 being cammed out of such recess and the inner eccentric in turning within the outer eccentric 26 until the preselected degree of eccentricity has been reached, which will have resulted in the sliding of the pin 40 along the plate 42 until it is again in alignment with the plate opening 43 and capable of passing freely therethrough. When this occurs, the eccentric A will rotate as a unit at its newly adjusted throw or degree of eccentricity.

In the manner described above, the desired degree of eccentricity can be selected by suitable adjustment of the selector mechanism, and the stroke or throw of the eccentric A will automatically shift while the apparatus is running, until the preselected throw has been achieved, whereupon the eccentric A will remain in the adjusted position. If, however, the apparatus is subjected to an overload, then the coupling pin 36 or 37 will be cammed out of a recess 33 and the eccentric A will adjust'to a lesser throw. However, unless the selector plate 42. is also shifted to the lesser throw, the pin 40 will engage the plate and prevent the outer eccentric 26 from turning, the degree of eccentricity continuously shifting until the apparatus is stopped or the overload condition relieved.

When the overload condition has been relieved, then the apparatus will automatically readjust itself to the selected throw, since the outer eccentric 26 can only be recoupled to the inner eccentric 16 to turn therewith when the pin 40 has shifted along the plate to a position of alignment with the opening 43 in the adjustable stop member 42.

The inventor claims:

1. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; and means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other.

2. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; one of said members having a cam means; the other of said members having spring means engageable with said cam means to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said cam means and spring means being releasable from each other in response to the torque transmitted between said members.

3. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; one of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses therein; the other of said members having spring means adapted to be received selectively in said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said spring means and sides of said recesses providing cam devices for shifting said spring means out of said recesses in response to the torque transmitted between said members.

4. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; one of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by the other of said members; spring means engaging said rod and adapted to urge said rod into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod out of each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members.

5. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; said outer member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by said inner member; spring means in said inner member engaging said rod and adapted to urge it outwardly into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod out of each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members.

6. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; one of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a plurality of longitudinally extending rods carried by the other of said members; spring means engaging said rods and adapted to urge said rods into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rods and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rods out of said recesses in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members.

7. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; said outer member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; longitudinally extending rods carried by said inner member; spring means in said inner member engaging said rods and adapted to urge said rods outwardly into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rods and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rods out of said recesses in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members.

8. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; and means engageable with said outer eccentric member to prevent its rotation, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members, said preventing means being releasable from said outer eccentric member.

9. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the overall throw of said eccentric members.

10. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the overall throw of said eccentric members, said element being shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes to a position disengaged from said stationary member, enabling said eccentric members to rotate together.

11. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members, said stationary member having an opening therein toward which said element is shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes and through which said element can pass to permit said eccentric members to rotate together.

12. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members, said element being shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes to a position disengaged from said stationary member, enabling said eccentric members to rotate together; and means for selectively positioning said stationary member to adjust the over-all throw of said eccentric members.

13. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said releasable means is released and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members, said stationary member having an opening therein toward which said element is shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes and through which said element can pass to permit said eccentric members to rotate together; and means for selectively positioning said stationary member to alter the position of said opening and adjust the overall throw of said eccentric members.

14. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; one of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses therein; the other of said members having spring means adapted to be received selectively in said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said spring means and sides of said recesses providing cam devices for shifting said spring means from said recesses in response to the torque transmitted between said members; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said spring means is shifted from a recess to permit said inner eccentric member to move arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member and change the overall throw of said eccentric members.

15. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; one of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by the other of said members; spring means engaging said rod and adapted to urge said rod into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate posi tions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod from each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said rod is released from one of said recesses and said inner eccentric member moved arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members.

16. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; said outer member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by said inner member; spring means in said inner member engaging said rod and adapted to urge it outwardly into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod from each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said rod is cammed from one of said recesses and said inner eccentric member is movable arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members.

17. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an

inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; said outer member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by said inner member; spring means in said inner member engaging said rod and adapted to urge it outwardly into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod from each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said rod is cammed from one of said recesses and said inner eccentric member is movable arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the over-all throw of said eccentric members, said stationary member having an opening therein toward which said element is shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes and through which said element can pass to permit said eccentric members to rotate together.

18. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; said outer member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending recesses therein; a longitudinally extending rod carried by said inner member; spring means in said inner member engaging said rod and adapted to urge it outwardly into said recesses to couple said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; said rod and the sides of said recesses constituting cam devices for shifting said rod from each recess in response to the torque transmitted between said members to permit relative arcuate adjustment between said members; an element secured to said outer eccentric member; a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said outer member, whereby said rod is cammedfrom one of said recesses and said inner eccentric member is movable arcuately relative to said outer eccentric member to change the overall throw of said eccentric members,

said stationary member having an opening therein toward which said element is shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes and through which said element can pass to permit said eccentric members to rotate together; and means fior selectively positioning said stationary member to alter the position of said opening and adjust the overall throw of said eccentric members.

19. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: means rotatable about a fixed axis; an inner eccentric member fixed to said means; an outer eccentric member on said inner member and adapted to turn thereon; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque trans mitted through said members and reengagea-ble for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; and means engageable with one of said eccentric members to prevent its rotation, whereby said releasable means is released and said eccentric members moved arcuately with respect to each other to change the overall throw of said eccentric members, said preventing means being releasable from said one of said eccentric members.

20. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to one of said eccentric members; and a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said one of said eccentric members, whereby said releasably means is released and said eccentric members moved arcuately with respect to each other to change the overall throw of said eccentric members.

21. In an adjustable throw eccentric apparatus: an inner eccentric member; an outer eccentric member on said inner member; means releasable in response to a predetermined torque transmitted through said members and reengageable for coupling said members together in various arcuate positions relative to each other; an element secured to one of said eccentric members; a stationary member engageable with said element to stop rotation of said one of said eccentric members, whereby said releasable means is released and said eccentric members moved arcuately with respect to each other to change the overall throw of said eccentric members, said element being shifted along said stationary member as the throw changes to a position disengaged from said stationary member, enabling said eccentric members to rotate together.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 258,693 Barrcdy May 30, 1882 778,930 Welivar Jan. 3, 1905 1,115,147 Zabriskie et a1. Oct. 27, 1914 1,989,397 Brennan Ian. 29, 1935 1,998,242 Klocke Apr. 16, 1935 FOREIGN PATENTS 817,685 Germany Aug. 30, 1951 

